Statistics (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject with mathematical and statistic units from a recognised university.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

On the full-time course your studies will last 12 months, from September to the following September.

You’ll study taught modules for the first two semesters and complete your dissertation project in semester three. 

As part of this course, you’ll choose what optional modules you want to study. Topics range from theoretical aspects of statistics to practical application. You’ll also learn research skills and attend presentations of transferrable skills and employability. 

On MSc Statistics, you’ll have the opportunity to attend seminars by statisticians from different organisations.

Your dissertation project is an opportunity to study a topic of your choice. There is a range of statistical topics available to base your project on, representing a member of our academic staff who will supervise your project.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, computer workshops, case studies, group work, project work and independent study. 

You’ll use specialist computer packages in several modules. Specialist packages include SAS and R, which are the main systems that an applied statistician would be expected to use.

On this MSc you’ll be taught a variety of techniques, methods and approaches of statistics and how to apply them to practical problems.

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• examinations 
• coursework 
• presentations 
• assignments 
• dissertation

Dissertation

As part of your course, you’ll need to complete a Statistics Project.

This is an in-depth study of a particular advanced statistical methodology or of the application of one or more methods to real applied problems.

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.

Statistics is key in decision-making in areas of uncertainty, and statisticians champion quantitative reasoning to help organisations make important advances in science and in business and public policy. 
 
Statisticians can work in many industries, some popular fields are: 

• • medical  
• • pharmaceutical  
• • government  
• • financial  
• • insurance 
• • market research   
• • environmental

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £19,850.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• a reference

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000